Technologies overview

Sporttraxx is developing and improving every day hardware and software solutions for:

  • RECORDED SPORTS DATA

  • TRANSMITTED SPORTS DATA

Recorded sports data

Also called Passive GPS Tracking. The continuos recording, on-board or on-man, of GPS based data.

In open space area, each moving vehicle, boat or person, can carry a small tracking devices that is saving in its internal logger, informations as

  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Height over sea level
  • Time and Date
  • Speed
  • Direction

Other data like Waypoint marking, Time stamps,GPIO status, Alarms, Satellite's visibility and their field strengths can be stored, depending on the hardware features

The logger parameters, frequency and filters can easily be setup via software, according to the needs of each sport discipline and their rules.

The collected data are downloaded, wireless or via cable, during or at the end of the sportive performance.The accuracy of the data is calculated in meters and in parts of seconds.

Typical sports applications are:

  • Control of the respect of imposed tracks and rules
  • Highlight of shortcuts and cheatings. Illegal assistances
  • Passage controls.
  • Timing or timing backup
  • Investigation on accidentsand rescue actions.

The evaluation of the data is done on mapping softwares and timing tables.

Sporttraxx can tell what a competitor has done, where he has been, gone, when and for how long... All that is recorded in a GPS Logger.

Transmitted sports data

Live Active GPS Tracking. GPS data can be transmitted in real time, at given time intervals or according to specific conditions.

Transmitting tools can vary depending on the environment, the requested update frequency, the budget.

They are typically transmitted via:

  • Radio
  • GSM/GPRS
  • Satellite

Live tracking hardware performs also internal logging features and its logging frequency can be much higher than the one of the transmitted data. Data are saved both in the unit and in the Sporttraxx internet server that is managing the transmitted information.

The system is two-way. That means that not only informations are sent to the race headquarter or to Sporttraxx office, but also messages and commands can be sent to the competitor. Voice communication is possible with GPS/Radio and GPS/GSM devices.

GPS provides accurate location in open space, with free view to the sky. Live transmission needs to be in an area covered by the communication technology (inside a radio network area, inside a mobile phone radiocell, On a continent/ocean with satellite coverage).

Radio transmission is mostly used in small local areas.The units can be very small, light, battery operated, for vehicle and personal use.
GSM/GPRS can work worldwide in areas with coverage provided by local mobile phone operators. Units are mostly powered by the vehicle, although it can be also battery operated. Nowadays almost all the civilized areas offer good coverage.
Inmarsat D+ satellite technology is operating worldwide, with the exclusion of the polar regions. Ideal solution for low frequency activities in deserts and on sea.

Sporttraxx transmitted solutions are based on two types of data carrier:

  • Online Radio or GPRS, with a continuos connection to the unit, that forwards NMEA data up to every second. The graphical result on maps is an icon moving on the screen on a smooth line, continuosly updated. Eccellent in the detail, it can be used to track up to hundreds of competitors at the same time.
  • By messages (SMS), transmitting at given intervals, or when reaching defined areas, the single position or packages of positions. The graphical result is an icon on a line with sharp edges, updated and relocated only at each received message from the unit. The frequency of the messages depends mainly on the number of competitors, the duration of the race and the budget. The Inmarsat D+ solution is based on messages with a minimum interval of around 4 minutes. Radio and GSM can be setup to message intervals of few seconds.

Both types of data transmission can be combined during the same event. Most of the events Sporttraxx is tracking, are managed with GPRS technology. All the competitors and the service vehicles are connected online with very high update rate. Messages are generally used only to release alarms or send passage times at PCs (Passage Controls).

Local networks and Internet

At the beginning of Sporttraxx activity, the services were offered on local computers. Passive tracking results were evaluated on Sporttraxxx computers with dedicated and complicated mapping softwares. The first live tracking applications used to work Point to Point. From the vehicle to the Sporttraxx local computer and the data management was possible only for Sporttraxx technicians. Generally in the local headquarter of the event.

Since Sporttraxx introduced in 2005 its GPRS Live Tracking Solution, the service sharing options have increased significantly. Everything is going through Internet and that allows multilocation. Data and alarms are sent from the competitor directly to Sporttraxx Servers in Germany, There they are processed and then spread around worldwide. Each computer connected to the internet can have access to the data. With no need of dedicated and complicated softwares. Obviously Sporttraxx can assign different access levels to whom is managing the event rather then just follow it for fun. A more comprehensive description of this solution can be found here.

The Live Show

The most significant result of this new internet based solution is that the event can finally be followed and appreciated worldwide. Especially those Sports like Enduro, Rallying, Sailing and whatever is running far away from the crowds and the civized areas can now involve many more spectators and sponsors.

Internet makes it now possible to virtually fly above the rally car of my preferred champion, speeding at 200 km/h in the desert of Qatar....Just sitting in my confortable chair in London.